Wildlife Removal in Jacksonville: Six Venomous Snakes and No Off-Season

Jacksonville is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States — 874 square miles — and a significant portion of that area is wetland, tidal marsh, bottomland forest, and natural habitat. The St. Johns River, Intracoastal Waterway, and dozens of tidal creeks and marshes run through and around the city. That geography supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including six venomous snake species that are found throughout the metro area.

No other major US city has as many venomous snake species in regular contact with residential areas as Jacksonville. Florida's subtropical climate means all six are active year-round.

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake — The largest venomous snake in North America, reaching six feet or more. Found throughout Northeast Florida in palmetto scrub and wooded areas. Encounters in yards and near foundations are not uncommon in wooded neighborhoods.

Cottonmouth / Water Moccasin — Extremely common near Jacksonville's abundant water features. Any dark, heavy-bodied snake near water — a retention pond, drainage ditch, tidal creek, or the Intracoastal — should be treated as a cottonmouth until proven otherwise.

Copperhead — Found in wooded areas in the western and northern parts of the metro. Less common than in Tennessee or Virginia, but present.

Timber rattlesnake — Found in wooded areas throughout the region, particularly in the Osceola National Forest to the west.

Dusky pygmy rattlesnake — Small (under 24 inches) and found throughout Northeast Florida. Their small size makes them easy to overlook.

Eastern coral snake — Found in wooded areas. Shy and rarely encountered, but their venom is neurotoxic and serious.

Florida raccoons breed year-round, and Jacksonville's subtropical climate means there's no predictable safe season for exclusion without first assessing whether young are present. Florida raccoons also carry a roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) that is dangerous to humans — raccoon latrines in attics require professional remediation, not just removal of the animals.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regulations prohibit bat exclusion from April 15 through August 15 (maternity season). Several bat species are common in Jacksonville, including the Brazilian free-tailed bat and the evening bat. If you discover bats in your home in spring or summer, we can seal gaps leading to living spaces and schedule full exclusion for the fall window.

Armadillos are a significant pest throughout Northeast Florida. They dig for grubs and earthworms with impressive efficiency, destroying lawns and landscaping. Burrows under foundations and sidewalks remove soil support and can cause cracking and settling over time.

Call (800) 319-1556 for a free inspection. We serve Duval County and surrounding areas.

View our Jacksonville service page for more information.